This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
On a wet and challenging day at Machakos Golf Club, James Ndunda emerged victorious in the 2020 ICEA Lion King of the Course opener, beating a field of 125 players with a score of 37 points.
January 5, 2020
Ndunda, a leading golfer in Machakos, credited his knowledge of the course and his current top form for his win, which came with a Sh20,000 cooker courtesy of title sponsors ICEA Lion Insurance Group.
"I have been practicing a lot in preparation for this season, and those other players better watch out for me this year," Ndunda said, having birdied the par five-18th in addition to 11 pars.
Wilfred Oroko finished second with 35 points, while Francis Muthiani took the third prize with 33 points, beating Nderitu Macharia on countback.
Among the guests, Royal Nairobi's Kiplagat Chebii won the first prize with a score of 35 points, beating 2018 champion Adelbert Omooria by one point.
In the ladies category, Machakos lady captain D Susan Musyoka carded 31 points to win ahead of Jane Kiiti on 28 points.
The junior title was won by James Ikonya, who beat Miles Mwenda on countback with nett 76.
ICEA Lion General Manager Alvin Odhiambo expressed delight at the event's success and pledged to increase the company's budget to support the series.
